I Forgot the Nail Clippers, But I Remembered the Magic Wand
(Packing Lists – not just what we carry, but what carries us through.)
I used to be that kind of packer.
Color-coded lists. Outfits rolled tight.
Backups for the backups.
Every charger known to mankind.
Then I became a mom.
And suddenly, packing meant something entirely different.
Because now, it’s not just clothes and toiletries.
It’s comfort.
It’s calm.
It’s what helps us both feel safe when everything else is new.
Last month, we visited my sister.
Only three days. Just a short flight.
I packed:
- Five onesies
- Four pairs of socks (we came home with one)
- Diapers. Wipes. Cream.
- Her favorite sippy cup, because last time we forgot and she went on a juice strike
- A soft blanket that smells like home
- And… a sparkly plastic wand she calls “twinkle stick.”
It lights up. Makes a tiny “whoosh” sound.
Totally unnecessary.
And absolutely essential.
Because when she got overwhelmed in the airport,
I handed her the wand.
She pressed the button.
Lights danced across her fingers.
And just like that — she smiled again.
Now, I don’t pack for just in case.
I pack for what matters most:
Something soft
Something silly
Something familiar
Something that keeps spills from becoming disasters
And one thing for me — because calm starts with the caregiver
Travel Packing Organizer Cubes
No more digging. I have one for her clothes, one for diapers, one for “meltdown magic.” Makes packing (and unpacking) less overwhelming.
Refillable Wipe Pouch with Hook
I clip it to the outside of the diaper bag. Because when there’s yogurt on a forehead or crayon on a seat tray, speed matters.
Light-Up Toddler Wand Toy
Technically a toy. Actually a peacekeeper. It’s the one thing she won’t nap without when we’re away from home.
I still forget things.
Like baby nail clippers. Or my own toothbrush.
But I’ve learned to ask myself:
“What will help her feel held, even in a new place?”
Because what we pack isn’t just stuff.
It’s security.
It’s home in a bag.
And sometimes… it’s sparkly.